Wildlife Minister plans to tighten laws against wildlife criminals

24 August 2020 05:45 pm - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation C. B. Ratnayake said that those who lay snares will be given maximum punishment as per the Penal Code.

“In addition to that if an animal is shot inside a protected area, the fine will be increased by threefold. We also have to look at the human-elephant conflict that has affected both humans and elephants alike. One of the main reasons is because they are deprived of drinking water. The lakes have dried off and therefore they move towards human settlements in search of food as well as water. So we will look at conserving the lakes as well.”

He further said that the Ministry had maintained poor communication channels and therefore most wildlife crimes go unreported.

“We are going to implement a mechanism so that people can report wildlife crimes to us. For this task we will get respective divisional secretariats and community police divisions involved. In the near future we will introduce a hotline as well. On the other hand we have to look at improving facilities for Wildlife Department staff. We plan on strengthening the patrolling unit and investigate on corruption that has taken place within the Department at an individual level irrespective of hierarchy.” (Kamanthi Wickramasinghe)

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Comments - 5

Lion Tuesday, 25 August 2020 05:37 AM

Boy stop talking we know that you all are good talkers.We need a immediate action soon unless we will not see this beautiful animal in the future.

Elwyn Tuesday, 25 August 2020 06:00 AM

Minister will have the respect of many if he can implement these laws. Hope this is not the usual talk and no action.

MN Tuesday, 25 August 2020 06:14 AM

Hope he will stop the killing leopards using snares,which mostly happening in his area

Russell von Bergheim Tuesday, 25 August 2020 06:18 AM

It’s about time that something was done to provide better protection to its wildlife.

RP Tuesday, 25 August 2020 07:55 AM

Good luck Sir. Finally, someone is focusing on the plight of the wildlife. All the best to you!

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Wildlife Minister plans to tighten laws against wildlife criminals

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